Today Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) President Audrey Poitras has signed a groundbreaking ten-year Framework Agreement with the Government of Alberta. This agreement is not only the longest in MNA history, but is also the most comprehensive. Deriving many of its mandates from the Supreme Court of Canada’s Daniels Decision, section 35 of the Constitution, and United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), the collaborative agreement sets a promising precedent for the development of Métis rights, including harvesting. Premier Rachel Notley stated “This agreement is an important step in the journey of reconciliation. Métis people have a long and proud history in Alberta, and we look forward to continuing to build our strong relationship.”

As an important step towards reconciliation, the Framework Agreement stipulates MNA’s right to participate and collaborate with the Government of Alberta on decisions that will affect the well-being of its members. Some of those priority actions are:

Renewing and strengthening the Nation to Nation relationship

Facilitating the recognition and respect of Métis Rights in Alberta that upholds the Honour of the Crown and advances reconciliation

President Poitras is particularly pleased to sign a framework that not only establishes a promising working relationship with the Government of Alberta for ten years, but symbolizes decades of hard work by all leaders, past and present.

For further information contact:

Marilyn Lizee
Office of the President
Metis Nation of Alberta
780.732.3381 or via email mlizee@metis.org